COMMON TORTOISE,. 



in different individuals, appear traced round the 

 sides of each piece, becoming gradually less dis- 

 tinct as they approach the upper part or space 

 just mentioned. The colours of the shell are more 

 or less bright in the different specimens, and are 

 subject, as well as even the shape of the pieces them- 

 selves, to some occasional variations ; and when 

 very old, the shell becomes much smoother than in 

 the younger animals, the sulci or furrows, as well as 

 the areola? or spaces on the top of each scutellum 

 or piece, being almost obliterated. The under or 

 belly part of the shell is of a citron or pale yellow 

 colour, with a broad blackish or deep-brown zone 

 down each side, leaving the middle part plain. 

 The head is rather small than large ; the eye small 

 and black ; the mouth not extending beyond the 

 eyes; the upper part of the head covered with 

 somewhat irregular, tough scales, and the neck 

 with smaller granulations, so as to be flexible at 

 the pleasure of the animal. The legs are short, 

 and the feet moderately broad, covered with strong- 

 ovate scales, and commonly furnished with four 

 moderately stout claws on each ; but this is a cir- 

 cumstance which cannot be allowed to constitute 

 a part of the specific character, since in different 

 individuals, either from age, or other circum- 

 stances, these parts are found to vary in number, 

 there being sometimes five claws instead of four 

 on the fore feet. The tail is about the same length 

 with the legs, or rather shorter, and is covered 

 with small scales, and terminates in a naked horny 

 pointed tip or process. 



This animal lives to a most extraordinary age ; 



